Josiah: The King of Judah
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Josiah: The King of Judah
Reference
II Kings 22:1 - 23:30
II Chronicles 34:1 - 35:26
Reign
31 years (640 - 609 B.C.)
History
Josiah descending from the loins of Amon is every bit as improbable as Manasseh descending from the loins of Hezekiah. For as wicked as his father and grandfather were, Josiah was exceedingly righteous. The monarch who reigned for 31 years was responsible for tearing down the altars of the Baals; smashing the Asherah poles; purifying and repairing the Temple; finding the Book of the Law, reading it to the people and making a covenant to observe it; and removing the idols from all the land over which he held dominion, far exceeding the borders of Jerusalem and Judah. Josiah also celebrated the Passover, something not done in Israel since the time of Hezekiah. More than anything, however, Josiah, like Hezekiah, brought salvation to his people. After finding the Book of the Law, Josiah sent his officials to consult with the prophetess Huldah, who delivered this message: "Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place ... [But] Because thine heart was tender, and thoud didst humble thyself before God ... Behold I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace" (II Chronicles 34:24,27-28).
The kingdom of Judah would survive almost 23 years following the death of Josiah, allowing that much more time for repentance to be sought by those who had the heart to do so. Had it not been for the righteous acts of Josiah, Judah could well have been judged and sent to captivity much earlier than it was.
II Kings 22:1 - 23:30
II Chronicles 34:1 - 35:26
Reign
31 years (640 - 609 B.C.)
History
Josiah descending from the loins of Amon is every bit as improbable as Manasseh descending from the loins of Hezekiah. For as wicked as his father and grandfather were, Josiah was exceedingly righteous. The monarch who reigned for 31 years was responsible for tearing down the altars of the Baals; smashing the Asherah poles; purifying and repairing the Temple; finding the Book of the Law, reading it to the people and making a covenant to observe it; and removing the idols from all the land over which he held dominion, far exceeding the borders of Jerusalem and Judah. Josiah also celebrated the Passover, something not done in Israel since the time of Hezekiah. More than anything, however, Josiah, like Hezekiah, brought salvation to his people. After finding the Book of the Law, Josiah sent his officials to consult with the prophetess Huldah, who delivered this message: "Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place ... [But] Because thine heart was tender, and thoud didst humble thyself before God ... Behold I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace" (II Chronicles 34:24,27-28).
The kingdom of Judah would survive almost 23 years following the death of Josiah, allowing that much more time for repentance to be sought by those who had the heart to do so. Had it not been for the righteous acts of Josiah, Judah could well have been judged and sent to captivity much earlier than it was.
Similar topics
» Asa: The King of Judah
» Ahaziah: The King of Judah
» Jotham: The King of Judah
» Amon: The King of Judah
» Jehoiachin: The King of Judah
» Ahaziah: The King of Judah
» Jotham: The King of Judah
» Amon: The King of Judah
» Jehoiachin: The King of Judah
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